Paracervical Block for Pain Associated With Laminaria Insertion

Paracervical Block for Pain Associated With Laminaria Insertion

To assess if paracervical block is effective at reducing discomfort during placement of intracervical laminaria for pre-operative cervical preparation.

Pre-operative dilation of the cervix with use of osmotic dilators (e.g. laminaria, dilapan-S) is commonly done prior to pregnancy termination to make the procedure safer. This study seeks to assess whether paracervical blocks are effective at reducing pain associated with placement of laminaria. Secondarily, this study will evaluate if paracervical blocks are effective at reducing overall procedural pain and increasing overall patient satisfaction for the intracervical laminaria placement procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women between the ages of 18-49 years
• Desiring surgical termination of pregnancy or surgical management of a fetal demise
• Treatment plan involves cervical preparation with laminaria
• Participant able to provide informed consent in English and willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to read/speak/understand English
• Contraindications to receiving lidocaine